Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius

With a shiny new slate
pool and Sisley spa, no tile has been left unpolished. Rooms have a
colonial feel with hardwood floors, wicker daybeds and marble
bathrooms.

The hotel's concierge
will happily arrange day trips (such as kite-surfing and tours on a
Segway scooter).

In terms of dining,
lobster medallions and ravioli followed by vanilla soufflé is hard
to beat at L'Archipel, or try the new poolside Asian Station for
dim sum - just as well the fitness centre is the largest on the
island.

WOW FACTOR: Why have a
room when you can choose a suite on stilts, over a rippling
barachois (freshwater lake) strewn with volcanic boulders and
mangroves.